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The medium of choice for artists of all levels & ages, acrylic colours take the traditional benefits of oils (opacity & body, for instance) and transfers them to a more straightforward, easy-to-use alternative that requires less preparation & dries much faster.
Despite being one of the most popular creative mediums available today, acrylic colours are actually a relatively new medium when compared to their watercolour, oils or gouache cousins.
Whilst the concept was experimented with throughout the early 20th century, it wasn’t until 1955 when the first modern, recognisable acrylic paints were introduced to the public by Liquitex (yes, that Liquitex!) & by the mid 60s they were widely available around the globe.
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Since their reveal, acrylic paints have become the medium of choice for countless artists thanks to their winning combination of versatility, adaptability & general affordability. This brings with it a constantly growing world of alternatives, peripherals and more, so let’s start somewhere simple first.
When browsing acrylic paints, you may have noticed that they’re normally divided into two separate grades; Student or Professional. But what does that mean?
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Professional Grade
Developed for the most dedicated of artists, professional-grade acrylic paints like the Liquitex Pro Heavy Body or Winsor & Newton Pro Acrylic ranges offer greater colour intensity, opacity & resilience for your work.
Often containing pure pigments, their incredibly vibrant colours intermix easily into a variety of shades, tones or tints for an almost limitless working palette that dries with little to no colour shift, allowing you to clearly visualise your finished piece much more reliably.
They’re typically broken down into price bands (or Series), determined by the availability or strength of their pigments. Normally these are numbered 1-9, with Series 1 being cheapest & Series 9 the most expensive. Basically... the higher the number, the higher the price.
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Student Grade
Student-Grade acrylics are a more affordable, accessible paint for creatives from all walks of life.
Whilst they offer similar opacity & handling to their professional counterparts, they largely forego the use of pure pigments in their formulations. Instead, they mimic these with alternative colour mixes (also known as “hues”), providing a close approximation of the genuine pigment.
Their affordability makes them an attractive option for largescale projects or bold, eye-catching backgrounds, with Daler-Rowney's System3 range or Art Ranger Acrylics available in larger quantities.
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Specialty (a secret 3rd option!)
Able to fall into either “grade”, these acrylic paints are specifically developed to cater for niche techniques or unique effects, including airbrushing, pouring or texture work.
Examples include the GOLDEN Fluid Acrylics & Pebeo Pouring Experience Set, which both feature a lower viscosity, making them ideal for pouring or airbrushing.
Or if you’re looking for a clean matte finish & high opacity for flat, graphic designs then we suggest investing in the Acrylic Gouache range from Liquitex.
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When selecting acrylic paints, it’s best to consider your own capabilities, what you’re looking to achieve & how much you’re willing to spend.
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For The Uninitiated
When first starting out, it’s best to pick up some Student-Grade paints like the Graduate, Galeria or COLLEGE ranges. Whilst their lack of pure pigments may affect the vibrancy or longevity of the colours, their cost-effective nature is perfect for practicing techniques, colour mixing & generally building your confidence whilst you come to grips with the medium.
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For The Experienced
Upgrading to a Professional-Grade option like GOLDEN Heavy Body would be the next logical step in your evolution as a painter. Their use of only the purest pigments ensures your art is bold & vibrant with a resilient, archival-quality finish that endures for years.
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For The Adventurous
Speciality acrylics are perfect for experimenting & broadening your creative horizons. Why not create eye-catching designs with some Glitter, Neon, Metallic or Pastel options from Art Ranger? Or add a ghoulish glow to your work with Simply Glow in the Dark Acrylic? Or even a splash of sophistication with metallic toned sets from Royal & Langnickel or Sennelier?
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As you can see, no matter your preference or sensibilities, there’s an acrylic paint out there perfect for you!
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